Body Of Missing Fisherman Found

Park personnel found and recovered the body of missing canoeist Tim Godfrey late on the afternoon of April 26th, bringing to a conclusion the longest search in Big South Fork’s history. The 13-day effort came to an end when his body was located about five miles downstream from the point of the accident. On Wednesday, April 13th, Godfrey, Joshua Breeding and Chad Harbough were fishing the Big South Fork River when their canoe capsized in some rapids. Breeding and Harbough were able to make it to shore, but Godfrey was pulled under and believed drowned. This led to an intensive search for Godfrey by Park Service employees as well as several other agencies and many volunteers. Resources were brought in from as far away as Knoxville, Tennessee, and Bell County, Kentucky. Searches were conducted by foot, dog team, sonar, cameras, divers and boats. The river was searched extensively between the point of the accident and the Turkey Creek boat ramp. Heavy flood waters hampered the search on a couple of days, but some efforts were made each day. Ranger Barry Melloan was IC throughout the incident.